One can only assume that fans of the St. John’s Red Storm may have lowered their expectations this afternoon. After a wretched first half, especially on defense, the Johnnies were able to escape with a victory over the Humboldt State Lumberjacks, 95-83.
The Positives
Chris Obekpa scored 22 points. That is not a typo. Despite being known as a defensive juggernaut, word on the mean street had Obekpa being a better offensive player by leaps and bounds this season. It clearly looked to be the case in the exhibition opener. Even more so, Obekpa finished the game with a triple-double. Now, let’s be fair, it is not as if Humboldt State has the greatest frontcourt ever. More on Chris Obekpa in a minute.
D’Angelo Harrison was what most thought he would be this year. 28 points, while volume-shooting, is his game. He might be the best player in all of the Big East Conference this year. It would actually be more surprising if he played horrid.
The Negatives
Um, defense and rebounding. The fact that St. John’s struggled to perform well in both areas against a team like the Lumberjacks is not good. Really, it will only continue to push the narrative that the loss of Keith Thomas spells doom for the Red Storm.
Point guards Rysheed Jordan and Jamal Branch played rather crappy. My mother always told me if I didn’t have a lot of nice things to say that I shouldn’t say them at all. So, moving on…
Chris Obekpa’s Shorts Took Over
Here's Chris Obekpa's shorts, @reportedbytheAP pic.twitter.com/A3DRB5WFPb
— Chris Barca (@CBarca_) November 1, 2014
Chris Obekpa is either my grandfather brought back from the grave or wants the world to re-nickname him O’Blockballs if he were to ever bend in the wrong direction.
In Closing
It was an exhibition. Not too much to take away from one game other than the Johnnies need a ton of work. Obviously, the offensive progression of Chris Obekpa could be huge, but not if their defense and rebounding is actually that bad. Nevertheless, exhibition games are to be played to help sort these things out. Let’s all take a chill pill and/or take a few sips of vodka (only Banker’s Club, though, we aren’t rich).